Top 10 Things to Do in Washington Parish

A trip to Washington Parish will lead you into one of the most scenic and rural parishes in the state. Located north of New Orleans on Louisiana's Northshore, wilderness abounds with rolling hills, piney woods and winding waterways. 

Must-Experience Activities Near Franklinton and Bogalusa in Washington Parish

Discover the area by fishing, canoeing or driving a byway. And at the Washington Parish Free Fair — believed to be the nation's largest fair — experience delicious Louisiana food and local fun.

1. Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival

The city that gave us legendary pianist Professor Longhair is where you’ll also find one of the region’s premier music festivals. Every September, the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival features some of the best in contemporary and classic blues. You’ll also find local cuisine that includes Cajun specialties and soul-food staples. As a bonus to overnight visitors, the fest offers camping accommodations for tents and RVs, so you can enjoy the whole weekend sleeping next to Bogue Lusa Creek.

2. Bogue Chitto State Park

One of the gems of the Louisiana State Parks system, Bogue Chitto State Park is a haven for anglers, families, campers and disc golfers. Fourteen miles of designated horse trails crisscross the park, meaning that visitors on horseback are never far from good views of the park’s namesake river. 

3. Canoeing and Tubing

Load up the coolers, pack some sunscreen and get ready to chill out — literally. The cool waters of the Bogue Chitto River offer an awesome opportunity to beat the heat while paddling or floating through some of the wildest terrain in South Louisiana. The Bogue Chitto is well known for tubing, and numerous outfitters offer drop-off and pick-up, along with tubes, kayaks, canoes and life jackets. Check out are Louisiana River Adventures in Franklinton and Bogue Chitto Tubing Center in Bogalusa.

4. Washington Parish Free Fair

Dating to 1911, the Washington Parish Free Fair is the second-oldest fair in the entire state. Carnival rides, a pageant, arodeo and tons of family-friendly attractions await visitors every October. 

5. Mile Branch Settlement

Peek into 19th-century pioneer life at the Mile Branch Settlement. This collection of original pioneer cabins (two are listed in the National Historic Register) is located at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton. It’s open three times a year — during the Washington Parish Free Fair, the first weekend in December and during the Antique Tractor Show each May — but is available to explore by appointment.

6. Mardi Gras

Washington Parish knows how to throw proper Mardi Gras celebrations, which you’ll see on display every year when the Krewe of Magic City Carnival Association rolls through the streets of Bogalusa. The Krewe claims to have one of the largest parades of its kind anywhere, with more than 50,000 spectators in attendance.

7. Christmas in Washington Parish

The Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton get into the Christmas spirit the first weekend of every December, with events such as Pioneer Christmas. The historic cabins comprising Mile Branch Settlement are decorated for the season, and to get visitors into the spirit, there are local artisans exhibiting and selling crafts such as holiday ornaments and jewelry on-site. The pioneer spirit makes this a unique Christmas as carolers stage the area and sing on cabin porches, while folks dressed in period costume will be offering demonstrations of local cuisine.

8. White Sands Lake Day Beach

Looking for a beachy getaway? Then head to White Sands Lake Day Beach. Located a few miles south of Franklinton and Bogalusa, this sunny getaway is especially popular among families and groups. Take a dip in the cool, spring-fed waters of White Sands Lake, or take your pick of boat rentals: kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards are all available. For the kids, there's an aqua park with trampolines and water slides. After drying off, head to one of White Sands Lake Day Beach's cabanas, all of which come equipped with barbecue grills.

9. Antiques and Flea Markets

Treasure hunters will be delighted to find a wealth of antiques stores and flea markets to explore while in the Washington Parish area. From vintage furniture to antique china, there are so many diamonds in the rough.

10. Blueberry Farm Tours

The rich soils of Washington Parish make it well suited for farming, and travelers with a sweet tooth and a love of the outdoors can see how it’s done up-close at a pick-your-own blueberry farm. L&E Blueberry Farm in Franklinton is a local “u-pick” farm that welcomes visitors and is a great experience for the family. Their season begins in May. 

Learn more about things to do in Washington Parish.